New Leaders Appointed in BJP-Led States, Sparking Controversy
The recent state assembly elections in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan have resulted in the appointment of new leaders as Chief Ministers, sparking controversy within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
In a surprising move, Raman Singh (Chhattisgarh), Vasundara Raje (Rajasthan), and Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Madhya Pradesh), who were already serving as chief ministers in their respective states, have been denied the post of chief minister.
BJP’s National President JP Natta addressed the issue, stating, “The Central leadership is keeping a close eye on the state leaders. Within the party, everyone is being given due recognition.”
However, speculation has arisen that the central leadership is attempting to marginalize influential BJP leaders in the state, including veterans such as LK Advani, Murali Manohar Joshi, and now Vasundhara Raje and Shivraj Singh Chouhan. There are also concerns that Prime Minister Modi and Amit Shah are gaining unchecked power within the party.
Veteran journalist AS Panneerselvath commented on the power shift within the BJP, stating, “Power has completely shifted from the RSS organization to the leadership of Mod i-Amit Shah. The closest leader within the BJP to the RSS organization is Nitin Gadkari.”
He further highlighted the long list of marginalized leaders in the BJP and how new leaders are being brought in to sideline these influential figures.
The move to marginalize these leaders has raised concerns about its impact on the state and Lok Sabha elections. According to Bengaluru-based veteran journalist Vijay Grover, the sidelining of influential state leaders could affect the party’s growth. He pointed out the significance of leaders like Vasundhara Raje in the Rajasthan elections and Yeddyurappa in Karnataka.
Panneerselvam also suggested that the Modi-Amit Shah alliance has adopted OBC Hindutva, diverging from the Brahminical Hindutva policy of the RSS. He attributed this shift to the concentration of power within the BJP, driven by the failure to fulfill major promises made by the government.
In response to the controversy, Tamil Nadu BJP Vice President Narayanan Tirupathi defended the party’s leadership selection process, stating that the BJP chooses leaders based on social justice and that democratically elected legislators elect chief ministers.
The ongoing controversy has underscored the complex power dynamics within the BJP and raised questions about the extent of influence exerted by the central leadership over regional leaders and the party’s adherence to the principles of the RSS organization.